Cairns Adventist College vs Djarragun College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cairns Adventist College
Gordonvale · Independent combined · Prep-6
63 students · ICSEA 885
Djarragun College
Gordonvale · Independent combined · Prep-12
259 students · ICSEA 683
| Measure | Cairns Adventist College Gordonvale QLD | Djarragun College Gordonvale QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #257 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1186 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 63 | 259 |
| Girls / boys | 39 / 24 | 137 / 122 |
| Foundation intake | 8 | 5 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 18 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 36 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | -24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 885 | 683 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 1th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 0% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 47% | 89% |
| Students per teacher | 9.5 | 8.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.6 | 31.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.4 | 24.7 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 98% |
| Indigenous students | 60% | 100% |
| Suburb | Gordonvale 4865 | Gordonvale 4865 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.cas.qld.edu.au | djarragun.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Cairns Adventist College scores higher on the Success Index (29.2 vs 24.8).
- •Cairns Adventist College has the higher ICSEA (885 vs 683), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Djarragun College has fewer students per teacher (8.4 vs 9.5).
- •Djarragun College is the larger school with 259 students compared with 63.
- •Cairns Adventist College has grown faster over five years (-12% vs -24%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Cairns Adventist College better than Djarragun College?
On the Success Index, Cairns Adventist College ranks higher (29.2 vs 24.8 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Cairns Adventist College and Djarragun College?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Gordonvale and Gordonvale in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cairns Adventist College has 9.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Djarragun College has 8.4.
How do Cairns Adventist College and Djarragun College rank in QLD?
Cairns Adventist College is unranked and Djarragun College is 257th of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.